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Topic: Landlord refusal to install beehive (Read 3876 times)

As per the Apiary Code of Practice I informed my Landlord that I would like to install a hive.I explained that I was registered with the DPI and no permit was necessary.I also explained the benefit of bees for the garden, and that the hive is not a permanent fixture.

To my surprise the Landlord declined my request for a hive on the property. (It's a single level detached house in Alphington, VIC on about 700 sqm - plenty of room and flora for bees).

Has anyone had any experience with this before or can offer some suggestions on how I might be able to persuade the landlord otherwise?

Luckily a friend has come to the rescue and has allowed me to start a hive on their property, but I would prefer to have bees in my own backyard. :(

As a person with some rental homes, I'm sure the concern of the landlord is getting sued if someone has an allergic reaction in the neighborhood. The landlord is the guy with the assets the lawyers can grab; a house. If you try to put yourself in his/her position, is it worth risking a lawsuit to allow bees on the property? I would say no too (on a small city lot), and I'm a beekeeper. I do have a place with a big lot which I have rented and had bees on; it would be a real stretch for a lawyer to blame a hive 150 meters away from people as being irresponsible.

You say the lot is only 700 sq meters? If my math is right, that is only 0.143 acres; that really is a small lot to be keeping bees on IMO. My advice would be to move to a more rural location and ask the landlord if they would allow bees. Most landlords love a good renter that pays on time and are willing to work with you as long as you don't put them at some legal risk. Good luck with your bee keeping. It is addictive.

Accomodation and animals have been a problem in Melbourne for a long time. You could write out a comprehensive case detailing the low risk and the support of the neighbours, and any other pro bee information you can find, but some people are very stubborn. Sometimes though, the effort of a well researched argument will pay off. Could you get some advice from the rental tribunal also or your estate agent? Also, find out if there are any council restrictions where you are.

When I was having trouble getting bees into town here, the DPI said they would write to the council if necessary. However, your landlord can place any such restrictions he wants to on the property.

Unfortunately, the easy going disposition of many australians is mostly a thing of the past, and a change in attitude is going to involve educating the kids while they are still young enough to enjoy nature.

Thanks for the responses.It is not a huge issue as a friend in nearby Macleod has offered his backyard for keeping bees. Just a bit surprising and disappointing really.I have contacted the estate agent again and put forward that the neighbours were aware of my intentions and were looking forward to some local honey. Another neighbour already has a hive that is going well too.

The local council allows bees without permit or registration. Only need to register with DPI (which is currently free).

I'm dodgy but I would just set up a hive. It looks like your neighbours are not going to dob you in. Just move the hive every 6 months when you get an inspection.. If you do get caught out just move it to your friends place.

I cant believe a person would try to make a landoner do something he doesnt want to do with his own property; hoss if it were me you would be on yo happy way. i run from 50 to 150 hives and most on other peoples property. and they ask for the bees. let it out that you have bees and someone will ask you to put some bees near them for polination. some people just refuse to be pushed, but on the other hand when asked nicely are mighty acomidating

As a landlord, I am afraid I have to side with the landlord on this one. The fear of liability is pretty much the first reason for every "no" answer you get from a landlord. When evaluating special requests from tenants I apply a simple formula. I ask myself how much additional income will I receive by granting this request and what is my potential liability. If the income exceeeds the potential liability then the answer is yes, otherwise no. It is simply just a business decision. Not sure how things are where you live but people are sue happy in the US. Landlords are seen as having "deep pockets" even if it is not actually true and by asking permission you have made the landlord fully responsible for any potential liability.

The best solution is buy your own property where you can do whatever you want. You will always have to live under someone else's rules when you rent.

Check with the landlord and see if there is a policy you could get to relive him from liability. Also, the landlord may just be deathly afraid of bees or worried that workers that he might have working there in the future may run into problems with them bees. Or may have had to pay to have bees removed from one of his rental properties in the past and has a beef with honey bees. Lots of possibilities why.

As per the Apiary Code of Practice I informed my Landlord that I would like to install a hive.I explained that I was registered with the DPI and no permit was necessary.I also explained the benefit of bees for the garden, and that the hive is not a permanent fixture.

To my surprise the Landlord declined my request for a hive on the property. (It's a single level detached house in Alphington, VIC on about 700 sqm - plenty of room and flora for bees).

Has anyone had any experience with this before or can offer some suggestions on how I might be able to persuade the landlord otherwise?

Luckily a friend has come to the rescue and has allowed me to start a hive on their property, but I would prefer to have bees in my own backyard. :(

Thanks for your help!

This is NOT YOUR property the end............

BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

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